Patrick Stewart talks X-Men future and Star Trek

September 8, 2009 - By Liam Goodwin

Having appeared in both Star Trek and the X-Men films Patrick Stewart has become a regular at conventions over the years, and he recently attended DragonCon 09 and answered questions about both franchises.

When the discussion turned to “X-Men,” Stewart, who had a cameo as a younger Professor Charles Xavier in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” said that from what he had heard, audiences have probably not seen the last of the professor. He mentioned he recently co-starred in a production of “Waiting for Godot” with Ian McKellen and the two agreed that they would like continue exploring the relationship between Xavier and McKellen’s “X-Men” character Magneto.

Producer Lauren Shulder Donner said a few months ago that they couldn’t make X-Men: First Class without Patrick Stewart, so that is probably what he has heard. First Class is currently being written by Josh Schwartz and takes place during the first year at Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. Patrick Stewart will most likely be made to appear younger, like we saw in X3 and Wolverine.

As for that other franchise, Stewart thought that this summer’s reboot of “Star Trek” was “terrific,” but didn’t see a future for Jean-Luc Picard in the franchise, leaving open only the possibility that he would agree to do a cameo in a sequel. Stewart mentioned a proposed final “Next Generation” film, but after the disappointing box office for “Star Trek: Nemesis,” it never materialized.

“I feel that I have left behind a legacy as Picard,” he said. “In my head and heart, I’ve moved on.”